I feel helpless and just cried like a child. Failed handling attempt with my new corn snake, need advice and a game plan.
I bought a 2-year-old corn snake 3 weeks ago. I fed her 3 days after getting her. A week later, I couldn't wait any longer and wanted to take her out. Even though she was running away from me in the enclosure, I managed to pick her up. However, she was squirming so much in my hands that I was terrified she would fall and escape, so I put her back after just a few seconds.
Then came the next feeding (a week after the first one). After waiting 3 days for her to digest, I started sitting next to the enclosure with the doors open, just wanting her to get used to my presence. Once, she actually crawled out on her own, but when I slowly stood up to catch her so she wouldn't escape, she panicked and started bolting blindly, so I immediately put her back.
After the 3rd feeding, I sat twice with my hand resting flat on the substrate. Once, after a few minutes of me staying completely still, she actually came over and booped/sniffed my hand.
I’ve read tons of websites and read that the fastest way to get a snake used to handling is to just handle them. So today, 3 days after her meal (and after she pooped), I decided to try. I know all the theories in my head—how to scoop them from below, not grab from above, etc.
But I just couldn't do it. She panicked and bolted so hard. I touched her and tried to pick her up 5 times, but she was just too fast and kept slipping away. Finally, she started rattling her tail like a rattlesnake, so I decided to leave her alone and closed the doors.
I feel completely helpless. It costs me so much stress because I know I'm stressing her out too. After today's failed attempt, I literally just sat down and cried like a child.
I don't even know who to ask anymore or what to do. What should my next step be? I want to be able to hold her, and I want her to tolerate me. I know I should probably give her a few days of complete peace now so her stress levels drop, but does anyone have any advice? Could someone give me a step-by-step game plan on how to socialize her, or tell me what I am doing wrong?